“Where she Leads, Others will Follow: Executive Director of Residences at Coffee Creek receives Outstanding Leadership Award”
Kaitlynn Redmon, Executive Director of the Residences at Coffee Creek, was awarded the First Outstanding Leadership Award by the staff of Residences at Coffee Creek Senior Living in Chesterton, Indiana.
“You cannot teach or coach someone to be passionate and care for residents, families, and staff members; it has to be innate to their being,” reflected Melissa Caldwell, Principal of WestShore Senior Living the operating management of the Residences at Coffee Creek, during the presentation of the plaque for Outstanding Leadership initiated by staff to honor and acknowledge their Executive Director Kaitlynn Redmon during a ceremony Wednesday, November 18th at the senior living community.
The plaque inscription “Where You Lead, Others Follow” is indicative of the qualities Kaitlynn demonstrates every day, according to the team at Coffee Creek who wanted to express their appreciation to her for all of her inspiring actions, especially in these challenging times.
Natalie Reisen, Director of Sales and Marketing, who served as MC for the celebration, summed up her description of Kaitlynn’s attributes for leadership based on feedback from staff. Human Resources Director Kelly Wright had been approached by members of the Coffee Creek team from all departments with comments such as “…her door is always open; she’s willing to jump in and help out; knowledgeable when facing a would-be crisis; calm during chaos; never acts too busy when approached; comfortable to talk to—like I’ve known her my whole life,” and more.
What motivates the team and most certainly gains their respect is her work ethic: “Does she ever go home? She’s always at work! I can tell she really loves the residents. She makes me want to come to work. She doesn’t intimidate or undermine you, she admits when mistakes are made and works quickly to fix them. I have so much respect for her, I don’t know how she does it every day.” Natalie explained that she had been working with Kaitlynn throughout the building of the community since 2017 which is now home to so many area seniors, all the way through these past eight months of pandemic wherein staff have marveled at Kaitlynn’s dedication and concern for community. Natalie shared one particular comment that she felt was truly indicative of Kaitlynn’s commitment– “She knows what she’s doing, she makes me feel confident during this pandemic that we have things under control.”
“Winning an outside award is one thing, but it is even more extraordinary and momentous to have the team you lead every day think so highly of you and want to do something so special, it is just incredible,” remarked Melissa Caldwell during the presentation. “Your passion and compassion are shining bright!”
The staff of Residences at Coffee Creek came together in many different ways. With the leadership attributes of Kaitlynn Redmon, Natalie said it is evident that everyone on their team feels that same motivation to want to work harder and be better each and every day for the residents and their families.